Environment & Safety
EPA settles US biofuel violations with 30 companies
Thirty companies have agreed to pay what the EPA described as "modest" civil penalties for using fraudulent credits to meet a federal biofuel mandate. The settlement resolves violations of the Renewable Fuels Standard for companies such as ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips.
EPA delays new US 'fracking' rules until 2015
Wells where natural gas is captured through the controversial "fracking" technique will have until 2015 to comply with new rules designed to reduce air pollution. The EPA said it is phasing in the rules for "fracked" natural gas wells to "ensure emissions reduction technology is broadly available."
Siemens, Shell seal gas chromatography pact
Under the agreement, Siemens will supply gas chromatographs along with related systems such as analysis cabinets and shelters to numerous Shell global energy projects.
Airgas wins fleet safety award from US gas group
Airgas received a fleet safety award from the Compressed Gas Association (CGA), the US industrial and medical gas industry’s standard-setting organization for the promotion of safety standards and safe practices. It was the third straight year Airgas was presented with the award.
White House forms oversight panel for gas policy
The White House announced the formation of a high-level working group designed to coordinate the government's oversight of natural gas drilling and the much-scrutinized drilling method known as hydraulic fracturing. A recent boom in production has provided ample cheap natural gas in the US.
Marathon agrees to limit refinery pollution in US Clean Air Act settlement
The US DoJ and EPA said Marathon Petroleum agreed to reduce air pollution from all six of the company's petroleum refineries as part of a settlement over alleged violations of the Clean Air Act. Marathon, headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, will also pay a civil penalty of $460,000. It had no immediate comment.
Air Products wins top safety improvement award from US gas group
Air Products was recognized Thursday for its improvement in occupational safety, receiving the annual Leonard Parker Pool Award from the US Compressed Gas Association (CGA) trade group. The award is based upon the total recordable incidence rates, as defined by OSHA.
Rockwood opens surface treatment plant in India, targets automotive industry
Chemetall Surface Treatment, the global metal surface treatment business of Rockwood, has invested in a new state-of-the-art production plant in Chennai, India, in response to rising demand for local products. The design and construction of the plant set new benchmarks in safety and quality, the company said.
Technip, CIMV to collaborate on 'green' chemistry
Technip signed a cooperation agreement in the green chemistry business with the Compagnie Industrielle de la Matière Végétale (CIMV) to industrialize CIMV’s process. The CIMV technology can be seen as a key enabler for the sustainable green chemistry sector based on non-edible feedstock.
Venting vapor streams: Predicting the outcome
Laminar and turbulent jet theories provide strong support when addressing cold venting situations
- Iran's Revolutionary Guards say they targeted petrochemical facilities in the Gulf 4/6
- Damietta Green Ammonia completes pre-FEED for $873-MM, 150,000-tpy green ammonia facility 4/6
- EIB and Eni sign €500-MM in financing for new biorefinery in Sannazzaro de’ Burgondi 4/6
- India's Reliance buys Venezuelan oil directly from PDVSA 4/6
- Japan to boost intermediate chemical imports amid tighter naphtha supply 4/6
- Five EU countries call for windfall tax on energy companies 4/6
